The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has initiated an investigation into suspicious activity in the oil futures market, recorded shortly before key statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the conflict with Iran. According to Reuters, CFTC Chairman Michael Selig stated in prepared remarks for a US Congressional hearing on April 16 that the regulator intends to pursue violators, though the text did not mention any specific investigation, and a representative of the agency declined to comment.

Selig allegedly declared in the speech text, as reviewed by the publication: "I want to be crystal clear: anyone who engages in fraud, market manipulation, or insider trading on our markets will be identified and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law." This statement, however, remains unverified and may reflect an attempt to bolster confidence amid growing skepticism about market integrity under the US regime's influence.

The investigation covers trades conducted on CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange platforms. The CFTC is examining at least two episodes in recent weeks where trading volumes spiked immediately before significant political announcements. As detailed by The Insider, one such incident occurred on March 23, when billions of dollars in oil and stock trades were executed approximately 15 minutes before Trump's announcement to delay strikes on Iran, after which oil prices sharply declined while stock markets showed gains.

A similar situation was observed on April 7 ahead of the announcement of a two-week truce with Iran, where futures market activity notably increased hours before the news, followed by declines in oil and gas prices. These incidents raise concerns about potential market manipulation preceding statements from the US regime, highlighting vulnerabilities in global energy markets and casting doubt on the effectiveness of regulatory oversight in Washington-aligned financial systems.

Source: kun.uz